Network Management: Do You Need Computer Network Support?

Summary: This brief blog explains how to troubleshoot network connections. Also, learn the basics of network management. If you are still experiencing problems with network connectivity, contact your IT maintenance experts, GEEK-AID Computer and Network Support, at www.geekaid.com for comprehensive computer network support.

We are creatures that tend to take things for granted. What are, at first, miracles of technological advancement become mundane parts of our daily lives. Cell phones, Bluetooth and WiFi connections are commonplace worldwide and have permanently enriched many lives.

But nothing is perfect. Inevitably, everything needs maintenance or repairs. Wireless networks are no different. Users often ignore and forget about them until they stop working. However, network issues are common, and every business and home user should know some basic network troubleshooting strategies for analyzing problems with networks. Here are a few common network problems:

• Weak WiFi Signal – WiFi is a technology we take for granted. We have become accustomed to our home and office WiFi working correctly and to having numerous methods available for connecting to WiFi while on the go. However, getting a signal is not always easy. Due to geography, EMF emissions or physical location (such as in a basement or near a large metal structure), some areas have inconsistent signals or no signal at all. Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens and cordless phones sometimes cause WiFi signal interference.
• Slow Network Speeds – For several reasons, networks can suddenly run slowly. Online videos and video conference apps like Skype and Zoom can slow down your network. Also, new, robust applications can slow down networks. Furthermore, failing ports or links can prompt the network to reroute traffic around the flaw and overburden a different link.
• Large Networks – There is a limit on how much traffic a network connection can handle without slowing down. In organizations with large networks, traffic can thwart the speed and efficiency of their WiFi signals. The downloading of large video files simultaneously also slows networks down.
• Accidental Disconnection – Sometimes, a network goes down due to a physical disconnection. Cables can loosen and accidentally fall out when someone is working nearby or moving a component. Stretching a cable too much or bending it around a sharp turn can also cause an accidental disconnection.
• Overworked CPU Resources – For PCs, Task Manager can help analyze what programs or processes are using the most resources. Processors, RAM and disk space overload can also slow down networks.
  • Virus Infections – Networks infected with malware can exhaust large amounts of system resources and spread to all connected devices. Users must employ up-to-date antivirus software to perform a complete scan for malicious entities. Viruses can slow down or, in the worst case, destroy a network.
  • Leaving Applications Open – It is a good practice to “quit” any applications you are not using. Over time, apps can drain resources and even begin to malfunction. It is best to close unused apps and reopen them when needed. Also, Task Manager can help identify apps that are running in the background.
• Static and Duplicate IP Addresses – Every system requires separate IP addresses. Duplicate Internet addresses can create connectivity problems for your system and network. IP addresses are assigned to network devices when Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP boots up the local systems. DHCP contains a depository of addresses assigned to a local computer network, affording a different address for each system on a network.
  • Workstations Assigned Temporary IP Addresses – Workstations request and receive temporary addresses. Before the set time runs out, systems can re-request the IP address.
• Running Out of IP Addresses – Every internet service provider has a specific inventory of IP addresses based on their projected number of users. The rapid increase in connected devices, such as cell phones, has changed the calculation. Many systems have had to upgrade from IPv4 addresses to IPv6 with 128-bit addresses.
• Printer Connection Problems – Almost everyone has had a wireless printer go offline and lose its connection to a network. The first thing to do is go back to basics. Is the printer plugged in and powered up? Is the printer recognized on the network? Check in your Print Dialogue box to see if it shows up. Also, try turning the printer off and back on, shutting down and restarting your system. It is also vital to ensure that your printer drivers and operating system are updated. If you still cannot connect, go to the printer manufacturer’s website to find troubleshooting tips.
• VPN Issues – Virtual Private Networks or VPNs offer superior internet security by hiding IP addresses and encrypting data. However, sometimes VPNs have trouble connecting to the service provider. Also, there can be a conflict in the firewall settings. To check for firewall conflicts, try turning off your firewall and rebooting your system. If the VPN connection is then successful, you will know the firewall was the problem.

Whether you have a business system or a home office, stable network connectivity is a vital part of working on computer systems. If you own a business, you might not have the time to analyze network problems or the budget for an in-house, full-time IT expert. SMBs should hire IT maintenance specialists to help maintain a fully functional network, and home office computer system users, especially those who are not computer savvy, should enlist the help of a home network service to ensure they stay connected to a strong and reliable network.